Former company official sentenced for theft

Syracuse, NY - The former vice president of finance at Ventre Packing in DeWitt was sentenced today to five years' probation for stealing nearly $167,000 from the company over three years.

"I truly regret what I did," Michele Coughlin, 44, of 128 Christopher Drive, Van Buren, told County Judge Joseph Fahey. Coughlin pleaded guilty in January to felony counts of second-degree grand larceny and second-degree forgery, admitting she stole $166,993.63 from March 2005 through July 2008.

Coughlin has paid back $129,000 and will be required to pay the remainder while on probation. Had she made full restitution, she would have been sentenced to a conditional discharge.

Assistant District Attorney Robert DeMarco reminded Fahey the prosecution wanted a prison sentence. But Fahey noted that would have prevented the company from recouping its loss. Ventre Packing produces Enrico's and private label spaghetti sauces.

Chief Financial Officer David Sorensen came to court prepared to read a statement harshly critical that the no-jail sentence sent the message to white-collar criminals that they can steal - interest free - as long as they pay back the loss when caught.

He and company President Martin Ventre claimed in the statement that the company suffered a greater loss than the amount covered in the plea. They claim Coughlin's conduct jeopardized the company's reputation and survival, its 37 employees, its vendors and its customers.

Fahey denied DeMarco's request to let Sorensen read the statement in court. Although that upset Sorensen, he said he was pleased Coughlin was sentenced to probation instead of a conditional discharge.